Transport System Digitalization in the Mining Industry

Marek Ondov, Janka Saderova (), Andrea Sofrankova, Lukas Horizral and Peter Kacmary
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Marek Ondov: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia
Janka Saderova: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia
Andrea Sofrankova: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia
Lukas Horizral: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia
Peter Kacmary: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-22

Abstract: The mining industry faces increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and adapt to modern technological trends. Central to these challenges is digitalization. This paper compares the level of digitalization in the mining industry internationally and in Slovakia, raising the question of the feasibility of implementing digitalization tools in small-scale Slovak mining operations. The presented case study demonstrates the creation of a simulation model and 3D animation for the development of small and medium-sized open pit mines, using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software version 2302.0004, empirical data collection, and programming with SimTalk 2.0. Internationally, digitalization through modeling and simulation is already at a much higher level, with advanced solutions such as digital twins. In contrast, digitalization in Slovak mining operations is limited to basic simulation approaches, with only a few documented attempts, highlighting substantial opportunities for further development. The simulation model developed in this study enables more efficient planning and management of logistics and transportation processes, with potential benefits for operational improvements, safety, and sustainability. Adopting digitalization, even in small-scale operations, can drive the future development of the Slovak mining industry.

Keywords: logistics process; simulation; modeling; open pit mine; Industry 4.0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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